MMA Returns to Yellowknife with Fivestar Fight League

MMA will return to Yellowknife in 2012 on September 15, thanks to a new promotion called Fivestar Fight League. A subsidiary of Fivestar Athletics, it will be the organiziation’s first MMA event.

However, it will not be Fivestar promoters Orest Zmyndak and Darrel Ouelette’s first event in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Both were involved in the King of the Cage Canada event held there one year ago. Zmyndak has been involved with MMA commissions and promotions for many years, while Ouelette runs the only MMA gym, called Caged Fitness, in Yellowknife.

Zmyndak explained why and how they are running this show in Yellowknife, NT,

We feel that Yellowknife is perfect for us for the first show and the Yellowknife Commission is very knowledgeable and co-operative and we will endeavour to help them out in training their own officials. When Ouelette approached businesses (in Yellowknife), they jumped on board, as you can see by the number of corporate logos on the poster. It would be impossible to put on a show in Yellowknife without the help of these businesses, as costs are very high. You need to fly in fighters, trainers, referees, judges, dressing room supervisors and our staff. Getting a cage up there is an adventure in itself.

The event will be headlined by Yellowknife’s undefeated Light-Heavyweight Adam MacDonald (3-0), who defeated Nick Campbell in the first round of the last Yellowknife card. MacDonald will be taking on Jon Ganshorn (4-2). Ganshorn was undefeated before stepping up to face top Canadians Nick Penner and Tim Chemelli. In addition to MacDonald, there will be a good helping of local fighters including Danny Doig (1-1), Tang Thongpheng (1-1), and newcomer Luke Huntus.

In addition to the September 15th card, “Fivestar Fight League has committed to holding at least two shows per year in YK,” according to Zmyndak.

After the Yellowknife debut of Fivestar, the promotion promises to branch out to other cities. Zmyndak explains their future plans,

Next week we will be announcing our October show, which is a bigger event, and are currently negotiating a late November one as well. 2013 will be busy for us, as we have already been approached for shows next summer.

As always, stay tuned to Top MMA News for future card updates to all the Fivestar Fight League shows.